The Charlotte Series: Book 3: The Pretender's Gold

33

Chapter 33

After a moment, Hank took the man's measure. It was obvious he'd earned the affection and respect of his son and friend. And his reputation as it tied to the Arrow Q was one of honor and exceptional stock.

He was obviously older, from the lines at the corners of his eyes and the gray that streaked his hair and whiskers. But he was still fit and capable. It was a comfort to ride with the man after watching the ease with which he carried himself and the rifle cradled in his arm.

"I was thinking about my family. I'm newly married, and I'm pretty sure I'm a pa by now, but I've got to wonder if I'll ever get to meet my young one...or see Patsy again."

"I can relate to that. I was away at war for a few years. It does something to a man, being separated from his family."

Hank only nodded.

"My wife is a good woman with a kind and generous heart as big as all of Texas*. I counted myself a lucky man while I was away. What with my wife and three little ones waiting back at home. Imagine my joy when I got home to find my wife and six little ones!"

"Triplets!" Hank whistled.

"Naw. Just strays in need of love and a home. But they're mine now, true enough."

"Mr. White was one of your strays?"

"More of a kid brother but Tomas lived with us a good piece. Him and Kelley are tight as two boys can be."

"Can't imagine six children in one house."

"Well, it was something." Quin chuckled. "Of course, we've added to the brood* over the years. I've had to expand the ranch house twice. We've been married twenty-one years and had us twelve young-uns under our care. We lost three of them and we still got four more at home but five have grown and gone."

"All of that family must be nice."

"It is. Hard to believe I ever preferred the Army to my family, but there was a time..."

Hank grew silent, thinking on what Quin said.

"Captain McClintock?" Quin's last name finally struck a chord in Hank's memory.

"Major when I retired." Quin answered plainly.

"Well." Hank smiled. "I'm mighty glad to have you along. I hear tell you're quite the Indian hunter."

"That is unequivocally false." Quin growled emphatically as a frown underlined his words.

The words came down as hard and sure as a judge's gavel. Spoken as they were by the legend riding alongside him, the words seemed tangible. They lingered in the air about him, demanding Hank's full attention. Hank couldn't make a reply even if he'd been asked. Like one of the accused, Hank waited anxiously for the pronouncement of the verdict.

"I was a soldier. I followed orders but it was WAR-not a hunt. The warriors I fought were formidable opponents. They displayed undaunting courage even in the face of insurmountable odds. DO. NOT. disrespect them-or me-by suggesting anything less."

"I beg your pardon, Major-Sir." Hank's apology was sincere.

"Fair enough." Quin nodded his acceptance. "Now tell me about these rustlers."

"Murdering rustlers." Hank growled.

"Murdering rustlers." Quin corrected.

"They've been working these parts for years. I think there's a rancher-Dolan*-big man in Lincoln. I think he buys the stolen beeves, him and a partner in Texas. Of course, I can't prove any of it."